Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers threaten legal action over TV guest’s ‘kill Kanu’ remark
Legal Team Threatens Action Over Remarks About Nnamdi Kanu
The legal representatives of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have announced plans to pursue legal action against Chigozie Nnabugwu, a guest on News Central Television, following remarks that the lawyers allege call for Kanu’s extrajudicial killing.
In a statement issued Tuesday, signed by Kanu’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, the legal team denounced comments attributed to Nnabugwu during a program on News Central TV. The guest reportedly urged the Federal Government to execute Kanu “for normalcy to return to the Southeast.”
The comment was disseminated widely after being posted on the verified X account of News Central Television on July 19.
Ejimakor’s statement characterized Nnabugwu’s remarks as “reckless, irresponsible and unlawful,” contending they pose a serious threat to Kanu’s life and could incite violence, thereby undermining public order.
The legal team noted that such statements may violate Section 24(1) of the Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits sending electronic messages that threaten life or disrupt law and order. They also indicated that there could be further implications under the Criminal Code concerning incitement to violence.
Additionally, the lawyers accused News Central TV of allowing inflammatory content on its platform, warning that the broadcaster could face regulatory consequences for potential violations of broadcasting codes related to incitement and public safety.
The statement emphasized that broadcasting calls for extrajudicial killings amid Kanu’s ongoing trial could constitute contempt of court.
The legal team is currently evaluating its options and may file formal complaints with relevant authorities. They are demanding an immediate public retraction from Nnabugwu and a formal, unconditional televised apology from News Central TV.
The lawyers have indicated that this statement serves as a pre-action notice, suggesting legal proceedings will commence if both the television station and Nnabugwu do not take prompt corrective measures.
